Homeland Security Information

The following provided terrorist awareness information and methods for the BCCC community to report suspicious activity that may be related to terrorism. Should you witness any suspicious activity, you are encouraged to contact the BCCC Police Department immediately at (252) 943-8721.

Report to the BCCC Police Department:

Suspicious individuals (especially those carrying suitcases or other containers, or those observing, photographing or asking questions about operations or security measures).

Suspicious vehicles parked or operated in the vicinity of campus buildings.

Be careful about giving out information; know who you are dealing with.

Report suspicious packages if there is excessive postage or tape, misspelling of common names and addresses, or the package has an odor or appears to be leaking.

National Terrorism Advisory System:

The National Terrorism Advisory System, or NTAS, replaces the color-coded Homeland Security Advisory System (HSAS). This new system will more effectively communicate information about terrorist threats by providing timely, detailed information to the public, government agencies, first responders, airports and other transportation hubs, and the private sector.

It recognizes that Americans all share responsibility for the nation’s security, and should always be aware of the heightened risk of terrorist attack in the United States and what they should do.

Imminent Threat Alert

Warns of a credible, specific, and impending terrorist threat against the United States.

Elevated Threat Alert

Warns of a credible terrorist threat against the United States.

After reviewing the available information, the Secretary of Homeland Security will decide, in coordination with other Federal entities, whether an Alert should be issued.

Homeland Security Alerts will only be issued when credible information is available.

These alerts will include a clear statement that there is an imminent threat or elevated threat. Using available information, the alerts will provide a concise summary of the potential threat, information about actions being taken to ensure public safety, and recommended steps that individuals, communities, businesses and governments can take to help prevent, mitigate or respond to the threat.

The Homeland Security Alerts will be based on the nature of the threat: in some cases, alerts will be sent directly to law enforcement or affected areas of the private sector, while in others, alerts will be issued more broadly to the American people through both official and media channels.

Sunset Provision

An individual threat alert is issued for a specific time period and then automatically expires. It may be extended if new information becomes available or the threat evolves.

Homeland Security Alerts contain a sunset provision indicating a specific date when the alert expires – there will not be a constant Alert or blanket warning that there is an overarching threat. If threat information changes for an alert, the Secretary of Homeland Security may announce an updated Alert. All changes, including the announcement that cancels an Alert, will be distributed the same way as the original alert.